Shippax Newsletter– week 17

We have just completed the latest issue of our monthly magazine, Shippax Info, and it should be available for all subscribers to read online later today. Out of the 80 pages, a full 35 pages are filled with news, far exceeding what can be found elsewhere. Among many things in this issue, we present the 2025 Shippax Awards winners, have an in-depth report on CLdN's new CHAUMINE, dig into the issue of wastewater pollution from cruise ships, and take a look at Cosco's major expansion of its PCTC fleet and FRS's takeover of L'Express des Îles. We have also spent considerable time compiling an updated list of ro-ro/PCTC ships on order, which currently stands at 219.

Have a great weekend!

Neste and Eckerö Line continue collaborating to reduce maritime emissions in the Baltic Sea

Neste and Eckerö Line are continuing their collaboration to reduce maritime emissions. Eckerö Line provides freight and passenger services on the Baltic Sea and is the first company in Finland to adopt Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ for commercial maritime transport. By replacing a part of the fuel it uses for its operations with Neste MY Renewable Diesel, Eckerö Line responds to the 2% emissions reduction requirement of the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which came into effect at the beginning of 2025, and encourages the use of lower-emission fuels in maritime transport.

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Tallink Grupp Q1 2025 financial results

BALTIC QUEEN and MYSTAR © Frank Lose

In Q1 2025, AS Tallink Grupp reported a 12.0% decrease in passengers (970,359) and a 31.9% drop in cargo units (57,830) compared to Q1 2024. Revenue fell 14.4% to EUR 137.3 million, with a negative EBITDA of EUR 3.8 million and a net loss of EUR 33.2 million. Key factors included low consumer confidence, economic challenges, and 68 days of maintenance on vessels like BALTIC PRINCESS and SILJA SERENADE, impacting Finland-Sweden routes. The Group operated 14 vessels, closed two restaurants, and maintained focus on cost efficiencies.

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Viking Line Q1 2025 financial results

VIKING XPRS © Viking Line

Viking Line reported a challenging first quarter in 2025, with consolidated sales dropping to EUR 87.3 million from EUR 93.2 million in 2024, and operating income declining to EUR -18.0 million from EUR -10.4 million. The downturn was primarily due to the docking of GABRIELLA and VIKING XPRS, which reduced capacity, alongside weak market demand influenced by economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Despite these challenges, cargo sales increased by 11.7%, and the company achieved record-high customer satisfaction scores. The Board anticipates the 2025 pre-tax result to align with 2024, expecting improved demand in the second quarter.

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Irish Ferries switches to HVO fuel on Dublin-Holyhead route

Irish Ferries has partnered with Circle K to transition to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil fuel on its DUBLIN SWIFT service on the Dublin to Holyhead route. This is the company's first vessel to use the renewable biofuel, and the move will lower the company's carbon footprint. The DUBLIN SWIFT travels between Dublin and Holyhead in 135 minutes and is the fastest service across the Irish Sea. DUBLIN SWIFT re-started its seasonal operation on 16 April 2025, when it transitioned to using HVO.

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LNG ferry WILLEM DE VLAMINGH now hybrid

The LNG catamaran ferry WILLEM DE VLAMINGH has been upgraded in the past three months. The ship has become LNG hybrid by installing a 900 kWh battery pack, among other things.

The conversion was commissioned by Rederij Doeksen to Werft Shipbuilding in Urk and the job was carried out at the shipyard of Damen Shiprepair in Harlingen.

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